March 29, 2023
NORTON, Kan. - There has been recent media coverage of the financial performance of Norton County Hospital (NCH) and reported rumors that this facility is on the verge of closing. There is absolutely zero truth to these rumors. The presentation from the auditors in January indicated Norton County Hospital has had a bad year. However, NCH is not alone as this is a particularly difficult time for rural hospitals across the country. We are committed to working together to make financially responsible decisions to ensure that we preserve our local hospital.
The Norton County Commissioners appointed two new members, Rich Miller and Jimmy Todd, to the board in January. These appointments bring vast professional experience to the board. Jimmy currently is CEO/General Manager of Nex-Tech. He has past experience serving on the hospital board in Ontario, OR at an organization about twice the size of Norton's and part of the CHI organization. Jimmy has 20+ years serving on boards of various organizations and associations at the local, state and national levels. Rich served NCH for 43 years, being Chief Executive Officer for over 30 years. In 2013, the Kansas Hospital Association awarded him the Charles S. Billings Award, the highest award for hospital leadership.
The Board of Trustees are diligently working to ensure the ongoing success of NCH. Rural health care is vitally important to ensure health care for all our citizens and surrounding communities.
Jill Edgett - President of NCH Board of Trustees
Brian Kirk - NCH Chief Executive Officer
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